Economic and Social Development

Agriculture:  Agriculture in the Bahamas is done on small plots throughout most of the islands and only about 1% of the land area is cultivated. The nature of the land restricts the possibility of farming, which is mainly a household industry. The main crops consist of vegetables such as onions, okra, and tomatoes. Okra and tomatoes are raised mainly for export. Insufficient production has compelled the import of some 80% of the islands’ food supply. Some of the steps the government has taken to expand and improve agriculture is reserving 450,000 acres entirely for farming and 20,000 acres of which were converted to fruit farming. The exporting of orange, grapefruit, and cucumber production occurs on Abaco. Agricultural products in 2004 included 55,500 tons of sugar cane, 13,000 tons of grapefruit, 8,700 tons of lemons and limes, 5,000 tons of tomatoes, and 880 tons of sweet potatoes.

 

 

Economy: The economy of the Bahamas is stable, having an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Steady growth in tourism revenues and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences have led to solid GDP growth in recent years. However, with the slowdown in the US economy and the attacks of September 11, 2001, growth in these sectors declined in 2001-03. Financial services establish the second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy, accounting for about 15% of GDP. However, since December 2000, when the government passed new regulations on the financial sector, many international businesses have left The Bahamas. Manufacturing and agriculture together contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives aimed to improve those sectors. Overall growth prospects lie heavily on the wealth of the tourism sector, which depends on growth in the US, being the source of more than 80% of the visitors. 

 

                                                                

 

   Transportation

                                   

 

 

By air: Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport is the largest airport in the Bahamas. Most major U.S. airlines, with the notable exception of Southwest, have flights to Nassau. The airport is not in the best condition but the occasional free drinks served on arrival, along with the live band serenading the Immigration hall help set the tone. No public transport is available at the airport, but there's a list of fixed taxi fares posted at the exit. It's about US$25 and 10 miles to most hotels in central Nassau.

 

By sea: Nassau is a popular dock of call for the many cruise ships plying the Bahamas. Up to seven cruise ships can dock at the Prince George Wharf Cruise Terminal nearby downtown Nassau. Water taxi and yacht charter companies, such as Bahamas Boat, offer a selection of private crewed charters, in and around Nassau for small groups and families. Water taxi service is an accessible substitute to a taxi to get to Paradise Island from downtown. It is picked up under the bridge and costs $6 round trip. The water taxi stops its service at 6PM.

 

Minibus: Minibuses, locally know as jitneys, work as the bus system of Nassau city and New Providence island. Jitneys are located on and adjacent of Bay Street. Other jitneys are found on Charlotte & Bay Streets. A bus will usually wait until it's full before departing. It can be difficult to learn the various routes. Many have the destinations painted on the bus, but there is no regular timing for the way they are ran because of the multiple companies and individuals. Journeys cost $1.25 per person, per ride. For a round trip, even if an individual is not getting off the bus for activities such as sightseeing, it is still considered as two rides. Payments are received by the driver when disembarking. No change is given, and there is no transfer credit for changing busses.